Junior Silverbacks open title defence with victory
The Uganda U18 boys' basketball team, the Junior Silverbacks, defeated South Sudan 52-40 in their opening game of the FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers. The team is aiming to qualify for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals in Abidjan.
Why it matters
This victory is a critical step for the defending champions as they seek to maintain their regional dominance and secure a spot in the continental championship.
Uganda U18 boys' head coach Daniel Juuko Najja praised his players after they defeated South Sudan 52-40 in their opening game of the FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt on Friday.
The victory gives the defending champions a strong start in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Shane Kwizera led Uganda with 19 points, while John Levi Ogiramoi added 12 as the Junior Silverbacks controlled most of the game. South Sudan's Bior Mayen scored a game-high 15 points but could not prevent defeat.
Juuko said he was pleased with the team's performance and urged the players to remain focused ahead of their final group game against Kenya.
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